Saudi Arabia will play host to its first Formula 1 Grand Prix in November 2021.
The race will take place on a street track in Jeddah with the Red Sea city’s coast as a backdrop.
Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, said, “Saudi Arabia is a country that is rapidly becoming a hub for sports and entertainment with many major events taking place there in recent years and we are very pleased that Formula 1 will be racing there from next season.
“The region is hugely important to us and with 70% of the population of Saudi being under 30 we are excited about the potential to reach new fans and bring our existing fans around the world exciting racing from an incredible and historic location.”
He added: “We will be publishing our full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks and this will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for approval.”
Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, said: “No matter where in the world it’s held, Formula 1 is an event that brings people together to celebrate an occasion that goes far beyond sport. We look forward to sharing this unique experience and sharing Jeddah with the world. For many Saudis this will be a dream come true.”
The news comes ahead of the Middle East leg of the 2020 F1 season, with races set to take place at Turkey’s Istanbul Park on Sunday November 15, at the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir on November 29 and December 6 and at Yas Marina Circuit on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island on December 13.
